What Chinese Pens Are You Using Today? 2025

[RobDb]

The Chinese fountain pen I use most often these days is a Majohn P136 in green with silver accents and a medium nib. I use it very regularly for the following reasons:
1. The pen simply writes very well. It’s incredibly smooth, has a rich ink flow, and performs superbly. It starts writing immediately, without any issues.
2. It’s a piston-filler.
3. I only use permanent and pigment-based inks. The pen doesn’t dry out quickly compared to many other pens, even compared to brand-name pens.
4. In my personal opinion, I find it a very comfortable pen. But this is more of a personal preference.
5. The build quality is good for a Chinese pen. I do notice it’s a step above, say, a Jinhao. But a Montblanc 146 and other brand-name pens do feel more substantial. However, this Majohn naturally costs only a fraction of what most other pens do.
6. It comes very close to a Montblanc 146. Especially when it comes to writing, this pen writes, to be honest, just as good.

 

The differences and comparison with a Montblanc 146:
1. The Montblanc 146 is slightly heavier.
2. The Montblanc 146’s materials feel sturdier and higher quality. The Majohn P136 has a more plastic-like feel.
3. I notice slightly more feedback with the Majohn 136. But both the Montblanc and the Majohn write very smoothly.

4. My version of the Majohn P136 can't be posted, which isn't a big deal for me. But it is something to keep in mind.

 

If there’s one Chinese pen I personally highly recommend and that you can’t go wrong with, it’s the Majohn P136. I own many Chinese pens, and there are plenty of other good alternatives. But if I had to choose just one, I’d pick this one.